Firearm suppressor

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system are provided for a firearm suppressor. The system, in one embodiment, includes an elongated core comprising at least one series of ports extending radially from a bore to an exterior surface of the core, where the at least one series of ports is disposed linearly along a longitudinal axis of the core, and where the elongated core comprises at least one trough formed in the exterior surface of the core. The system also includes a baffle sleeve disposed around the core, the baffle sleeve having at least one uninterrupted fluid pathway extending along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve and formed by interdigitated baffle ridges, and an outer tube disposed around the baffle sleeve.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/411,161 entitled “FIREARM SUPPRESSOR” filed on Jan. 20, 2017 andclaims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/280,798entitled “FIREARM SUPPRESSOR” and filed on Jan. 20, 2016 for Ernest R.Bray, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This application relates generally to firearms. In particular, thisapplication relates to flash suppressors.

BACKGROUND

Suppressor design has, for over 100 years, included the basic structureof a series of baffles and chambers which trap expanding gasses as theyexit a muzzle. Though there have been many variations on this coredesign concept, virtually every design has followed this basic design.However, this basic design is flawed because it traps the pressure inthe initial chamber and significant pressure is generated on the firstbaffle, commonly called the “blast baffle”. This pressure and heatbuildup in that first chamber creates several negative effects thatinclude back pressure into the barrel. This back pressure often causesthe firearm to malfunction from added carbon and fouling from thegasses. Additionally, over gassing the system and increasing the cyclicrate creates additional stresses on the components that lead tomechanical failures. Another negative effect of excessive backpressureis that gasses and debris are blown back into the operator's face.

The other shortcomings of the basic design is that the gasses must exitout of the small holes either back into the barrel, or forward againstthe base of the bullet, which can cause turbulence and accuracy issues.

Also, most basic designs do not create optimum gas expansion, diffusionand cooling, because the designs provide poor heat transfer “heat sink”capabilities. Accordingly, gas expansion is limited and gas pressuresare maintained until the bullet exits the suppressor, at which point thehot gasses finally are allowed to exit the small bore hole at relativelyhigh pressure, velocity and heat. Pressure, velocity, and heat are themain contributors to the sound signature.

One other area that adds to the overall sound signature of these designsis that the bullets may push a supersonic cone of air ahead of thebullet and as the bullet passes through each chamber a sonic boom iscreated in the ambient air within each chamber and again as the bulletsexit the suppressors. Another design failure of the basic design is thatthe ambient air contained in the chambers is ignited and results in alarge flash out the end of the suppressor. Because this flash mayattract the attention of an armed enemy and notify the enemy of theoperator's location, this flash is known to members of the armed forcesas the “bloom of death”.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An apparatus, system, and device are disclosed for a firearm suppressor.The system, in one embodiment, includes an elongated core comprising atleast one series of ports extending radially from a bore to an exteriorsurface of the core, where the at least one series of ports is disposedlinearly along a longitudinal axis of the core, and where the elongatedcore comprises at least one trough formed in the exterior surface of thecore. The system may also include a baffle sleeve disposed around thecore, the baffle sleeve having at least one uninterrupted fluid pathwayextending along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve and formed byinterdigitated baffle ridges, and an outer tube disposed around thebaffle sleeve.

The at least one series of ports, in one embodiment, comprises twoseries of ports extending radially from the bore, and where the at leastone trough is disposed between the two series of ports. Each port of theat least one series of ports may be formed with helical grooves thatdirect fluids to form a vortex. Additionally, each port may extendoutward radially from the bore at a non-orthogonal angle. In a furtherembodiment, each port extends outward toward the muzzle end of theelongated core, at an angle of between about 5 and 80 degrees. In yet afurther embodiment, the angle is about 65 degrees.

In one embodiment, the baffle sleeve includes a plurality of portopenings that fluidly couple an interior surface of the baffle sleevewith an exterior surface of the baffle sleeve. At least one of theplurality of port openings is positioned to be aligned with at least oneport of the core. In one embodiment, at least one of the interdigitatedbaffle ridges terminates adjacent one of the plurality of port openings.

In another embodiment, the baffle sleeve includes a trough openings thatfluidly couple an interior surface of the baffle sleeve with an exteriorsurface of the baffle sleeve, and the trough openings are positioned tobe aligned with the trough. In a further embodiment, the system includesa baffle sleeve retainer and a spacer tube, where the spacer tubecouples to and extends longitudinally from a muzzle end of the elongatedcore, and where the baffle sleeve retainer is disposed between theelongated core and the spacer tube and is configured to couple thebaffle sleeve to the elongated core.

The system may also include forward baffles coupled to the spacer tube,having an irregular surface with a plurality of radially extendingopenings. Each of the plurality of forward baffles may include a key inan opening that is configured to engage the spacer tube. Each keymaintains a rotational position of its respective forward baffle withrespect to the spacer tube, and where each of the plurality of forwardbaffles is rotationally offset with respect to an adjacent one of theplurality of forward baffles such that the radially extending openingsof one of the forward baffles do not align with the radially extendingopenings of an adjacent forward baffle.

In one embodiment, the elongated core has a base having a diametergreater than the elongated core, where the base forms a platform forreceiving the baffle sleeve and the outer tube. The outer tube maycouple to the base. In another embodiment, the outer tube includes anannular ridge disposed adjacent an end of the outer tube, where theannular ridge is configured to engage with and maintain the forwardbaffles within the outer tube. In one embodiment, the outer tubeincludes a plurality of teeth at one end of the outer tube. In a furtherembodiment, the outer tube includes venturi tabs formed adjacent theplurality of teeth, where each venturi tabs is a triangular-shaped tabangled inward such that the venturi tabs impede the flow of gasses fromthe firearm suppressor.

In another embodiment, the core of the firearm suppressor includes aplurality of series of ports extending radially from a central bore toan exterior surface of the core, where each series of the plurality ofseries is disposed linearly along a longitudinal axis of the core, whereeach port of the plurality of series of ports comprises helical groovesthat direct fluids to form a vortex. The core, in this embodiment, alsoincludes a plurality of troughs formed in the exterior surface of thecore, where each trough of the plurality of troughs is disposed betweenadjacent series of the plurality of series of ports.

In another embodiment, the baffle sleeve includes a plurality ofuninterrupted fluid pathways formed on an exterior surface of the bafflesleeve and extending from a first end of the baffle sleeve to a secondend of the baffle sleeve, where each of the plurality of uninterruptedfluid pathways is defined by a plurality of interdigitated baffleridges, where the plurality of interdigitated baffle ridges of each ofthe plurality of uninterrupted fluid pathways defines a laterallyserpentine pathway along a longitudinal axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a firearm suppressor in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 2, 3 a and 3 b are diagrams illustrating different embodiments ofthe core in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams illustrating certain embodimentsof the baffle sleeve in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of thebaffle tube retainer in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of thespacer tube in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of oneof the forward baffles in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b are diagrams illustrating different embodimentsof the outer tube in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present application has been developed inresponse to the present state of the art, and in particular, in responseto the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solvedby currently available firearm suppressors. Accordingly, the subjectmatter of the present application has been developed to provide afirearm suppressor that overcomes at least some shortcomings of theprior art.

As will be described in greater detail below, the suppressorincorporates a design that employs a symmetrical three dimensional gasflow, for maximum gas expansion, cooling and diffusion. The result ofthe design is a continuous and steady state pressure release, instead ofa pressure release when a bullet leaves the suppressor. Additionally,the suppressor design has minimal to no backpressure, multiple designfeatures which eliminate flash, distribute heat evenly across thesuppressor for lower thermal signature, and improved heat transfer andcooling. These features also lower thermal stresses and thermal stressrelated component failures.

Another benefit of the suppressor of the present disclosure is theability to be drained of water in less than two seconds (typically,Special Forces units require an ability to be drained within 8 seconds).These and other features and benefits will be described in greaterdetail below.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a firearm suppressor 100 in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Although the below described embodimentsdescribe the use of the suppressor 100 in use with a rifle, thecomponents and methods described may be modified to accommodatedifferent types of firearms, including but not limited to, pistols,shotguns, etc.

In the depicted embodiment, the suppressor 100 is formed of multipleindividual components that may be separately manufactured and assembledto form the suppressor 100. However, the suppressor 100 mayalternatively be manufactured as a single unitary product. It iscontemplated that as 3D printing techniques improve, the suppressor 100may be manufactured by these 3D printing techniques. Generally, thesuppressor 100 is formed of metals and/or metallic alloys. Differentmaterials may be used for the different components, as it may bedesirable for one component to absorb and diffuse heat, and thereby havea high coefficient of thermal conductivity, and another component tohave a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

As depicted, the suppressor 100 is formed with a core 102, a bafflesleeve 104, a baffle tube retainer 106, a spacer tube 108, one or moreforward baffles 110, a retainer nut 111, and an outer tube 112. In oneembodiment, the tube retainer 106 and the spacer tube 108 are integral,alternatively, the tube retainer 106 and the spacer tube 108 are formedseparately. The suppressor 100 has a longitudinal axis (depicted by line114) that extends from a longitudinal axis of a firearm barrel 116, anddepicts the path a bullet will travel from the barrel 116 towards theexit 118 of the suppressor 100. The suppressor 100 is formed with aninlet that engages the muzzle end of the barrel 116 to receive a bullet,or other high energy (i.e., high velocity) device, and an outlet 120through which the bullet travels and for exhausting and dissipatingmuzzle blast, bullet shock waves, and other particulates.

FIGS. 2, 3 a and 3 b collectively refer to the core 102, and will bediscussed jointly. FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating oneembodiment of the core 102 in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure. The core 102 is a single component that may be machined orcast from appropriate materials, including, but not limited to steel,stainless steel, titanium, Inconel and aluminum. In one embodiment, thecore 102 threads onto the muzzle of the firearm (i.e., the end of thebarrel 116 of FIG. 1) with various types of standard or metric threads.Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 2, the opposite end of the core 102may have internal threads for receiving a male threaded end of thespacer tube 106.

In one embodiment, interrupted threads (not shown) may be utilized toimplement a quick attachment method to attach the core 102 over a muzzledevice such as a flash hider, muzzle brake, or muzzle signaturemanagement device. In another embodiment, the core 102 may have flats301 machined or otherwise formed on the muzzle-engaging end 302 to allowa wrench, or other tool, to apply torque to the suppressor 100 to attachit to the firearm.

The core 102 may have a series of ports 304 that extend radially outwardfrom the bore 306. In the below description, a port is generallyidentified as “port 304,” and may be individually identified as “port304 a,” etc. Each port 304 forms a channel that fluidly couples aninterior surface of the core 102 with an exterior surface. Stateddifferently, each port 304 creates an opening that extends from theexterior surface to the interior surface.

In the depicted embodiment, the ports 304 are generally arranged in alongitudinal manner, or in other words, a series of ports 304 a, 304 b(see FIG. 2) are linearly aligned. In one embodiment, each series 304 a,304 b of linearly arranged ports is spaced 90 degrees from theneighboring series of ports. Stated differently, if one were to lookdown the bore along the longitudinal axis (see FIG. 1), the ports 304would extend along the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions as depicted inFIG. 3b . Other arrangements are contemplated, including, but notlimited to more or less series of ports 304 a, 304 b, non-linearlyarranged series (e.g., a series aligned with a path that extendshelically around the exterior of the core 102), randomly positionedports, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3a , which is a cross-sectional diagram of the core102, the ports 304 may be angled forward (i.e., towards the muzzle end120 of the suppressor) to create a forward moving air flow. In otherwords, the ports 304 extend outward from the bore at a non-orthogonalangle with respect to the bore. The angle, formed by lines 306 and 310(which depict axis of the bore and the port, respectively), is in therange of between about 5 and 80 degrees. In another embodiment, theangle is about 65 degrees. In other embodiments, the ports extendperpendicularly from the bore 306, or alternatively, the ports 304 maybe angled rearward (i.e., towards the muzzle end of the rifle). As usedherein, the phrase “muzzle end” refers to the opening through which abullet exits a device.

In one embodiment, each port 304 is formed having helical flutes 312 orgrooves. Beneficially, the helical flutes 312 direct gasses away fromthe bore 306 and cause the gasses to form a vortex in each port 304. Theact of forming the vortex functions to slow the gasses. The sonicpressure wave formed by a fired projectile is bled off ahead of thebullet through ports 304 between a current position of the projectileand the muzzle end of the suppressor 102, thereby reducing oreliminating a sonic boom from the projectile traveling through ambientair. The helical fluting 312 in the ports 304 slows the gasses, createsrecoil mitigation through resistance against the port walls and flutingand also creates effective heat transfer by increasing exposed surfacearea of the core 102, thereby cooling the gasses. The helical flutes 312also create a turbulent gas flow that serves to slow the exit gassesfurther.

The monolithic nature of the core 102, beneficially, has no initialblast baffle (as in most suppressors) and therefore eliminates issueswith higher pressure cartridges, and virtually eliminates backpressure.As used herein, the term “monolithic” refers to the method ofmanufacture of the core 102, in that the core 102 is formed from asingle block of material. Further, the monolithic core 102 providesgreater strength, rigidity and no possibility of a baffle strike by thebullet/projectile caused by baffle misalignment. Baffle erosion is alsoeliminated.

In one embodiment, the core 102 includes one or more expansion troughs314 formed in an exterior surface of the core 102 (see FIG. 2). Eachexpansion trough 314, in one embodiment, extends longitudinally alongthe exterior surface of the core 102. In another embodiment, eachexpansion trough 314 is disposed between adjacent linear series (orstacks) of ports 304, as depicted. In such an arrangement, the core 102is formed with four expansion troughs 314. Beneficially, the expansiontroughs 314 serve to reduce weight and provide additional expansionareas for gasses while also increasing the exterior surface area of thecore 102, which is useful for cooling the gasses.

In one embodiment, the core 102 also includes a base 320 for receivingthe outer tube 112 (or sleeve). The base 320, in one embodiment, extendsoutward radially from the core 102 to form a platform or support for theouter tube. The support, in certain embodiments may include a threadedportion for mating with internal threads of the outer tube 112.Alternative fastening means are contemplated for joining the core 102 tothe outer tube 112.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams illustrating certain embodimentsof the baffle sleeve 104 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 4a is a perspective view diagram and FIG. 4b is a sideperspective view diagram. The baffle sleeve 104 is configured with aninner diameter that is selected to be larger than an outer diameter ofthe core 102 so that the core 102 is insertable into the baffle sleeve104. The baffle sleeve 104, in one embodiment, is formed with at leastone uninterrupted fluid pathway extending in a generally longitudinalmanner from one end of the baffle sleeve to another end. Stateddifferently, a fluid pathway is formed between baffles 402 (or ridges),the baffle sleeve 104, and the outer tube 112. Each fluid pathway may“snake” along the exterior of the baffle sleeve 104 between a series ofbaffles 402 from one end of the baffle sleeve 104 to the second end. Asused herein, the phrase “uninterrupted fluid pathway” refers to a fluidpathway on the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve 104 that is notcompletely blocked by a baffle 402 or other wall. Accordingly, gassesthat enter a first opening 404 adjacent a first end of the baffle sleeve104 may proceed along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve 104 to asecond opening 406 adjacent the second end of the baffle sleeve 104, asdepicted by dotted line 408. The first opening 404 may be aligned with aport 304.

In the depicted embodiment, the baffles 402 on either side of the fluidpathway 408 extend inward in an interdigitated manner to create azig-zag type pattern. The baffles 402, as depicted, may be formed inrepeating and interdigitated geometric shapes such as partial hexagons(i.e., V or U-shaped baffles), or alternatively, may be formed in a moreorganic and/or random fashion, as long as the fluid pathway 408 isuninterrupted along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve 104. In analternative embodiment, however, a baffle 402 may be placed in the fluidpathway 408 to direct fluid (i.e., gas) towards the core 102 from theexterior surface of the baffle sleeve 104. Two or more interdigitatedfluid pathways may be formed on the exterior surface of the bafflesleeve 104. In an alternative embodiment, a single fluid pathway may beformed that snakes back and forth across the exterior surface of thebaffle sleeve. In other words, the fluid pathway 408 may be laterallyserpentine along a longitudinal axis, with the turns of the fluidpathway 408 interdigitating with an adjacent fluid pathway. For example,the fluid primarily flows laterally (i.e., the fluid travels a greaterdistance from side to side, than longitudinally towards the end of thesuppressor) along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve.

Openings 406 formed in the fluid pathway 408 allow gas to flow betweenthe core 102 and the outer chamber formed by the baffle sleeve 104 andouter tube (see FIG. 1). This prevents a buildup of pressure as theprojectile/bullet passes through the core 102.

As the gasses exit the core 102 into the outer chamber formed by thebaffle sleeve 104 and the outer tube, the shape of the baffles 402redirects the gasses down at least one fluid pathway. In otherembodiments, the baffles 402 redirect gasses into two or more directionsin the same fluid pathway 408. As depicted in FIG. 4b , and as describedabove, gasses exiting a port in the core have formed a vortex due to thehelical flutes. As the vortex spins into the outer chamber, a tip 410 ofthe baffle adjacent an opening 404 interrupts the vortex and causesgasses to flow in multiple directions as indicated by arrows 412. Thus,in certain embodiments, it is beneficial to have a tip 410 of a baffledisposed adjacent on opening that aligns with one of the ports 304.

Beneficially, as the bullet/projectile passes the next set of ports 304in the core the venting gasses are directed up into the baffle sleeveand the interlocking box V pattern, for example, provides for sonic wavecancellation as the baffle 402 design and port 304 placement cause thepressure waves of alternating port openings to collide. This alsoaccomplishes pressure equalization. In other words, the design of theinterdigitated baffles causes adjacent port openings to exhaust gassesinto different fluid pathways. Every other port opening 404 exhaustsinto the same fluid pathway, as depicted. Alternatively, a design may becontemplated that exhausts adjacent, or every third, for example, portinto the same fluid pathway.

Ports 404 in the baffle sleeve are positioned to coordinate (or alignwith) the ports 304 in the core. Additional openings, which may besmaller, allow gasses to expand into the troughs. The sequencing of theexpansion ports creates a rearward flow of gasses in the troughs andcutouts in the baffle sleeve 104 allow those gasses to flow back up intothe baffle sleeve. As pressures equalizes gasses can flow back into thecore 102 through the helical fluting 312, further cooling and slowingthe gasses. Furthermore, the symmetrical design of the four intersectingports 304 creates additional wave cancellation. The baffle sleeve 104also provides slowing, cooling, and expansion of the gasses.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of thebaffle tube retainer 106 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the baffle tuberetainer 106 is configured to retain the baffle sleeve 104. The baffletube retainer 106 is configured with a lip 502 that is sized to engagethe inner diameter of the baffle sleeve 104. The spacer tube 108, aswill be described below in greater detail, threads into the core 102.The baffle tube retainer 106 is disposed between the spacer tube 108 andthe baffle sleeve 104, and accordingly maintains the position of thebaffle sleeve 104 with respect to the core 102. In one embodiment, thebaffle tube retainer 106 is a machined washer with alignment tabs thatlocate with the baffle sleeve 104 and the outer tube 112.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of thespacer tube 108 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The spacer tube 108, in one embodiment has a threaded end602 for attaching the spacer tube 108 to the core 102. Alternatively,other methods of fastening the spacer tube 108 to the core 102 arecontemplated, including but not limited to, standard quick-disconnectsystems, or permanently fastened bondings. In some embodiments, theopposite end includes cut out areas (i.e., “prongs”) for further ventingof gasses beyond the core 102. Additionally, the prongs create a flashhider/flash diffuser, should any unburned gasses or ignited oxygen passout of the suppressor bore.

In one embodiment, the spacer tube 108 has a substantially solid outersurface. Unlike many of the other components of the present disclosure,the spacer tube 108 is solid to prevent gasses from passing from theinterior channel to the outer tube or baffle sleeve. In this manner, thespacer tube 108 functions as a final alignment tube, and preventsgasses/shockwaves from affecting the direction and accuracy of thebullet. For the brief time that a bullet is in the spacer tube 108, thespacer tube 108 acts as a plug for the suppressor 100 and forces gassesto exit the suppressor 100 through the forward baffles 110 instead ofthrough the bore of the spacer tube 108.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of oneof the forward baffles 110 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In one embodiment, the forward baffles 110 resemble a disk.The outer chamber (formed by the baffle sleeve and the core) releasesits gasses primarily through a series of four interlocking, offsetforward baffles 110. Each forward baffle 110 may be formed with one ormore elliptical ports. In a further embodiment, each forward baffleincludes four evenly spaced elliptical ports 702, though other shapes ornumbers of elliptical ports may also be used. Stated differently, anyequally spaced, and radially extending opening may be used. In thedepicted embodiment, the openings/ports are positioned with a 90 degreeseparation from an adjacent port. If, for example, the number ofopenings increased or decreased, the angle of separation may alsocorrespondingly increase or decrease.

Beneficially, by spacing the baffles 110 closer together or furtherapart, in conjunction with the port sizes and shapes, the pressure atwhich the gasses begin to exit the outside chamber, and the velocity atwhich the suppressor vents, can be regulated. In this implementation,the baffles 110 are offset one quarter rotation (i.e., 90 degrees)forcing the gasses to make one full rotation prior to exiting the outertube of the suppressor, because there are 4 baffles. Each forward baffle110 may incorporate a non-planar surface or irregular surface, such asthe depicted diamond pattern, to cause turbulence in the gas flow, andthereby further slowdown the gas flow. Additionally, the diamond patternhelps extinguish a flash or flame and helps slow and cool the gasses. Inone embodiment, the series of forward baffles 110 are disposed on thespacer tube 108 and extend outward to the outer tube. The forwardbaffles 110 may include a key 704 to engage a slot in the spacer tube108 to maintain proper alignment, or alternatively, the forward baffles110 may be friction fixed into position (or interference fit) within theouter tube.

FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b are diagrams illustrating different embodimentsof the outer tube 112. The outer tube 112, in one embodiment, threadsonto a raised portion (e.g., base 320) of the core 102 disposed adjacentthe inlet end (i.e., nearest the rifle) of the suppressor. The outertube 112 encircles all of the above described components to form aprotective shield, and to form part of the outer chamber and/or fluidpathways.

In the depicted embodiment, the outer tube 112 is tubular, but otherimplementations can be envisioned where a different interior or exteriorshape are used, such as cooling flutes or fins applied to the exteriorsurface to enhance cooling and reduce thermal signatures. Alternatively,the outer tube 112 may be, for example, hexagonal. The outer tube 112may be formed with a ledge or ridge 802 which holds the forward baffles110 on the pressure tube 108. The ridge 802 may be annular andpositioned adjacent the muzzle end of the outer tube 112, as depicted.This implementation of the outer tube 112 extends beyond the last baffle110 and pressure tube to create a recessed space at the end of thesuppressor where the gasses exit. Alternatively, the outer tube 112 maybe formed with a groove for receiving, for example, a lock washer thatoperates in a manner similar to the ledge or ridge 802.

The exit end of the outer tube may incorporate teeth 804 or “chevrons.”In the depicted embodiment there are twelve evenly spaced teeth 804.These provide several benefits, first as the hot gasses exit the outerchamber and suppressor bore and begin to expand into the outside ambientair, which creates a sonic signature, the teeth 804 break up and diffusethe gas's expansion which reduces the sonic signature. The teeth 804 arealso useful to diffuse and reduce any muzzle flash which may exit thesuppressor.

In one embodiment, the outer tube 112 may also incorporate venturidiffuser tabs 902 (see FIGS. 9a and 9b ). These venturi tabs 902, in oneembodiment, are elongated and triangular in shape, and disposed adjacentthe end of the outer tube 112. In a further embodiment, the venturi tabs902 are evenly spaced around the outer tube 112, and may be formed withalternating larger and smaller venturi tabs 902, as depicted. The tabsmay be formed by pressing or punching the triangular shape into therecessed space at the end of the suppressor. As the hot gasses exit thesuppressor, through either the outer chamber or bore, pass the venturitabs 902 the gasses are forced to flow around the triangular shapedtabs, which create greater flow disruption, thereby slowing anddiffusing the gasses and disrupting the sonic signature of both thesupersonic airflow ahead of the bullet/projectile, and the expanding hotmuzzle gasses from the burned propellants. As the hot gasses flow pastthe venture tabs 902, cooler ambient air is pulled into the recessed endof the suppressor mixing with the hot gasses, cooling and slowing theirexpansion rate and sonic signature.

The benefits of the above described firearm suppressor are many, andinclude sonic signature reduction. The firearm suppressor of the currentdisclosure reduces the sound signature from firearms resulting from thedischarge of the cartridges and the exiting of high pressure, highvelocity, hot expanding gasses from the firearms muzzle which displacesambient air and creates sound signatures typically between 160 and 170decibels. The firearm suppressor of present disclosure provides a threedimensional gas flow and opens up the full internal volume of thesuppressor for gas expansion and diffusion. The firearm suppressor alsoacts as a very effective heat sync to transfer heat from the gasses tothe suppressor over the entire length.

The benefits also include muzzle flash and first round flashsuppression. The current suppressor design effectively extinguishes theflame from the burning gun powder or propellant by creating a highdegree of flow turbulence. The design also facilitates the purging ofambient air and oxygen contained in the suppressor by bleeding off thepressure wave that travels ahead of the bullet, which creates a vacuumand the expanding gasses filling that vacuum. The firearm suppressoralso has flame/flash extinguishing properties incorporated into theforward shredder baffles, pressure tubes and outer tube.

The benefits also include reduced back pressure. When used inconjunction with semi-automatic and fully-automatic firearms, backpressure causes a number of negative effects, such as increased cyclicrate, blow back of carbon, debris and hot gasses into the operatingsystem, action and face of the shooter, which system reliability. Thefirearm suppressor of the current disclosure has a unique threedimensional design that allows for symmetrical gas flow. The lack of ablast baffle and primary chamber just ahead of the muzzle means thatthese is no stored pressure. Gasses are flowed outward away from thesuppressor bore to an outer chamber that also does not trap the gaspressure, but rather, allows it to expand in the outer chamber, whichincorporates a pressure release mechanism through the shredder baffles,and lowers and equalizes pressures.

The benefits also include thermal signature and thermal failurereduction. The design facilitates the even transfer of heat across theentire suppressor and all components and rapid cooling after firing.This prevents hot spots from occurring which create a greater thermalsignature that can give away a soldier or officers position. Also,thermal related failures are the number one cause of suppressorstructural failures.

The benefits also include weight reduction. Because the firearmsuppressor of the current disclosure does not have a blast baffle andstore large amounts of pressure the suppressor is cartridge agnostic andcould be used with virtually any cartridge in that caliber.Additionally, because heat, excess pressure and high velocity flow ofthe gasses out of the primary chamber through the small bore hole is notan issue with this design, lighter materials such as titanium can beused for the monolithic core, and other components.

The benefits also include accuracy. The turbulence created by thebaffle—chamber design of other common suppressors can have negativeeffects on accuracy, depending on the shape and configuration of thosebaffles and chambers. As bullets pass through the baffles of the commonsuppressors and into ambient air chambers a sonic boom is created in thechamber. Depending upon how the sonic waves are reflected in thosechambers, bullet flight can be disrupted. Additionally, as the hotgasses expand and reflect in the chambers of common suppressors whilethe bullet is in the chamber, accuracy robbing turbulence can becreated. Lastly, as the hot gasses expand in each chamber of the commonsuppressor, they are then squeezed out a small hole in the suppressorsbore, which may accelerate gasses against the base of the bullet, whichin turn can also negatively affect accuracy. The firearm suppressor ofthe current disclosure pulls gasses outward from the bore of the firearmsuppressor and away from the base of the bullet. Additionally, thefirearm suppressor minimizes the locations where a sonic boom can occurand therefore turbulence in the bore is not created. In addition, thesonic wave that travels ahead of the bullet is bled off and disrupted bythe angled symmetrical ports, which reduces both sonic signature andturbulence from supersonic air movement through the bore.

The benefits also include improved water displacement. The firearmsuppressor of the current disclosure allows a firearm to be fired withwater in the system as the air/gas flow displaces the water, forcing itout of the firearm suppressor, without creating an over-pressuresituation that could cause a catastrophic failure. Also, when heldpointed down, the current suppressor will drain rapidly in a matter ofseconds.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosureshould be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring tothe features and advantages is understood to mean that a specificfeature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with anembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similarlanguage, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily,refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevantart will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without oneor more of the specific features or advantages of a particularembodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages maybe recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in allembodiments. These features and advantages will become more fullyapparent from the following description and appended claims, or may belearned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is“coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling.Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in somecontact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined ascoupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, buthaving one or more additional elements between the coupled elements.Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element caninclude direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as usedherein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, oneelement can be adjacent another element without being in contact withthat element.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm suppressor comprising: an elongatedcore comprising at least one series of ports extending radially from abore to an exterior surface of the core, where the at least one seriesof ports is disposed linearly along a longitudinal axis of the core, andwhere the elongated core comprises at least one trough formed in theexterior surface of the core; a baffle sleeve disposed around the core,the baffle sleeve having at least one uninterrupted fluid pathwayextending along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve and formed byinterdigitated baffle ridges; and an outer tube disposed around thebaffle sleeve.
 2. The firearm suppressor of claim 1, where the at leastone series of ports extending radially from the bore comprises twoseries of ports extending radially from the bore, and where the at leastone trough is disposed between the two series of ports.
 3. The firearmsuppressor of claim 1, where each port of the at least one series ofports is formed with helical grooves that direct fluids to form avortex.
 4. The firearm suppressor of claim 1, where each port of the atleast one series of ports extends outward radially from the bore at anon-orthogonal angle.
 5. The firearm suppressor of claim 4, where eachport of the at least one series of ports is angled toward a muzzle endof the elongated core.
 6. The firearm suppressor of claim 5, where thenon-orthogonal angle is in the range of between about 5 and 80 degrees.7. The firearm suppressor of claim 6, where the non-orthogonal angle is65 degrees.
 8. The firearm suppressor of claim 1, where the bafflesleeve further comprises a plurality of port openings that fluidlycouple an interior surface of the baffle sleeve with an exterior surfaceof the baffle sleeve, and where at least one of the plurality of portopenings is positioned such that the at least one of the plurality ofport openings is aligned with at least one port of the at least oneseries of ports.
 9. The firearm suppressor of claim 8, where at leastone of the interdigitated baffle ridges terminates adjacent one of theplurality of port openings.
 10. The firearm suppressor of claim 1, wherethe baffle sleeve further comprises a plurality of trough openings thatfluidly couple an interior surface of the baffle sleeve with an exteriorsurface of the baffle sleeve, and where at least one of the plurality oftrough openings is positioned such that the at least one of theplurality of trough openings is aligned with the trough.
 11. The firearmsuppressor of claim 1, further comprising a baffle sleeve retainer and aspacer tube, where the spacer tube couples to and extends longitudinallyfrom a muzzle end of the elongated core, and where the baffle sleeveretainer is disposed between the elongated core and the spacer tube andis configured to couple the baffle sleeve to the elongated core.
 12. Thefirearm suppressor of claim 11, further comprising at least onedisk-shaped forward baffle coupled to the spacer tube, where the atleast one disk-shaped forward baffle comprises an irregular surfacehaving a plurality of radially extending openings.
 13. The firearmsuppressor of claim 12, where the at least one forward baffle comprisesa plurality of forward baffles, each of the plurality of forward bafflescomprising a key in an opening that is configured to engage the spacertube, where each key maintains a rotational position of its respectiveforward baffle with respect to the spacer tube, and where each of theplurality of forward baffles is rotationally offset with respect to anadjacent one of the plurality of forward baffles such that the radiallyextending openings of one of the plurality of forward baffles do notalign with the radially extending openings of an adjacent forward baffleof the plurality of forward baffles.
 14. The firearm suppressor of claim12, where the elongated core further comprises a base having a diametergreater than the elongated core, where the base forms a platform forreceiving the baffle sleeve and the outer tube.
 15. The firearmsuppressor of claim 14, where the outer tube couples to the base. 16.The firearm suppressor of claim 15, where the outer tube furthercomprises an annular ridge disposed adjacent an end of the outer tube,where the annular ridge is configured to engage with and maintain the atleast one forward baffle within the outer tube.
 17. The firearmsuppressor of claim 1, where the outer tube further comprises aplurality of teeth at one end of the outer tube.
 18. The firearmsuppressor of claim 17, where the outer tube further comprises aplurality of venturi tabs formed adjacent the plurality of teeth, whereeach of the plurality of venturi tabs comprises a triangular-shaped tabangled inward such that each of the plurality of venturi tabs impedesthe flow of gasses from the firearm suppressor.
 19. A core of a firearmsuppressor, the core comprising: a plurality of series of portsextending radially from a central bore to an exterior surface of thecore, where each series of the plurality of series is disposed linearlyalong a longitudinal axis of the core, where each port of the pluralityof series of ports comprises helical grooves that direct fluids to forma vortex; and a plurality of troughs formed in the exterior surface ofthe core, where each trough of the plurality of troughs is disposedbetween adjacent series of the plurality of series of ports.
 20. Abaffle sleeve of a firearm suppressor, the baffle sleeve comprising: aplurality of uninterrupted fluid pathways formed on an exterior surfaceof the baffle sleeve and extending from a first end of the baffle sleeveto a second end of the baffle sleeve, where each of the plurality ofuninterrupted fluid pathways is defined by a plurality of interdigitatedbaffle ridges, where the plurality of interdigitated baffle ridges ofeach of the plurality of uninterrupted fluid pathways defines alaterally serpentine pathway along a longitudinal axis.